Understanding, preventing, and finding help

When pleasure becomes a compulsion

Initially, consumption or behavior is often associated with pleasure, relaxation, or belonging to a group. But gradually, repetition can lead to a loss of freedom: we no longer act by choice, but because we feel the need to.

Certain signs should raise alarm bells:

• An irrepressible need to consume or practice,
• Difficulty limiting or stopping,
• The presence of negative consequences (fatigue, isolation, declining academic performance, financial problems, sleep disorders, etc.),
• The desire to start again despite these consequences.

Each person reacts differently depending on their personality, their environment, their state of health, or the context.

Alcohol (particularly occasional consumption, drunkenness, social/festive consumption)

Very present at student parties, alcohol may seem festive, but it has real effects on the brain: decreased alertness, memory loss, risky behavior. Regular consumption weakens the liver, heart, and nervous system. And binge drinking (drinking a lot in a very short period of time) is particularly dangerous: alcohol poisoning, accidents, violent behavior.

🔎 FOCUS ON:

At student parties, Smerra offers you the chance to test yourself on the “Alcohol Course”: a challenging course to complete while wearing glasses that simulate the effects of alcohol.

Tobacco/nicotine (cigarettes)

Smoking sometimes gives the impression of relaxing or fitting in. However, addiction sets in quickly and the health effects are serious: cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, and reduced fertility. The good news is that there are many resources available to help you quit, such as Tabac Info Service (39 89) or nicotine replacement therapies covered by health insurance.

Tobacco remains a widely used substance (among the general population), but the trend is downward, particularly among young people.

Vaping (e-cigarettes)

Vaping (e-cigarettes) is an emerging trend among young people: there are increasing reports of experimentation with it.

Cannabis

Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug among young people. It can give a feeling of relaxation, but it impairs reflexes and concentration and increases the risk of accidents. In the long term, it promotes isolation, mental health problems, and decreased motivation.

The rates of experimentation remain significant, although they are declining among adolescents—followed by other illicit substances (cocaine, MDMA, amphetamines, etc.).

Digital use (screens, video games, internet, social media, smartphones, etc.)

These “non-substance” addictions are less often discussed, but they affect many students. Spending too much time on social media, online, or gaming can lead to isolation, sleep disorders, decreased motivation, and relationship difficulties.

Distance learning, academic use of digital tools, digital entertainment, etc.: as a student, you are the perfect target for the negative effects of digital technology.

It is important to learn to recognize the difference between intensive use and problematic use (involving clinical addiction):

Addictaide offers a test to measure your addiction to video games ➡️ Take the test

Preventing and finding help

The best protection is to develop personal resources: knowing how to say no, managing stress in other ways, and maintaining a balance between studies, leisure, and rest. But asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Solutions exist at every stage:

• The Consultations Jeunes Consommateurs (CJC) (Young Consumers Consultations) are free and anonymous for 12-25 year olds. They allow you to discuss your situation with professionals, get personalized advice and, if necessary, support to reduce or stop.

• University Health Services (SSU), which are often free for students.
• Helplines (0 800 23 13 13, drogues-info-service.fr).

The important thing to remember is that asking for help is not a failure. On the contrary, it is an act of courage and self-confidence.

Understanding what contributes to addiction

Addiction does not depend solely on the substance. Three elements are intertwined:

• The nature of the substance or behavior (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, gambling, screens, etc.), which has specific effects.
• The person (vulnerabilities, mental state, lifestyle, expectations regarding consumption).
• The environment (family, friends, student community, accessibility of the product, peer pressure).

Depending on the combination of these factors, the risks increase or decrease.

Knowing how to make decisions in a given situation

In student life, we are often faced with choices: whether to accept or refuse a drink, say yes or no to a proposal to consume, dare to express our opinion in front of the group. These situations are not always easy, especially under pressure.

There are different ways to react:

• Domination: “We do what I want.” This can be effective in an emergency, but risks neglecting the needs of others.
• Resignation/passivity: “Do what you want, I’m not getting involved.” This avoids conflict, but also means giving up your own needs.
• Accommodation: “We’ll do what you want, as long as we stay together.” You preserve the relationship, but you lose yourself in the process.
• Compromise: “Each in turn.” You seek a balance, but sometimes at the expense of the quality of the decision.
• Cooperation: “My preference would be… but I’m also interested in your point of view.” This is the most constructive approach, as it respects both individual and collective needs.

There is no single right approach. It all depends on the context. But learning to identify these mechanisms helps you to manage pressure better and assert your choices without guilt.

Develop critical and creative thinking

Addictions are often linked to preconceived ideas: “A joint now and then is no big deal,” “Everyone drinks at parties,” “I can stop whenever I want.” Developing critical thinking means taking a step back and analyzing what is true or false. Creative thinking, on the other hand, allows you to imagine alternatives: how can you relax or fit in without consuming?

The influence of peer groups and the media

Social pressure plays a huge role among young people. They may believe that they have to consume substances to “fit in” for fear of rejection. Similarly, the media, films, and advertising sometimes trivialize alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

Recognizing these influences allows young people to maintain distance and make truly personal choices.

Communication: the key to resisting pressure

Being able to express your desires and limits without aggression is essential. Nonviolent communication is a good tool: using “I-messages” (“I don’t feel good when I drink too much,” “I’d rather not try that”) allows you to make yourself heard without attacking the other person.

Learning to ask for help is also a sign of strength. Identifying people you trust (friends, family, professionals) and daring to ask them for help is one way to break out of isolation.

Recognize your emotions when faced with pressure

Stress, fear of disappointing others, or fear of being judged are common emotions when faced with substance use. Recognizing and accepting them makes it easier to manage them. Saying no becomes easier when you know why you are doing it and are aware of your own limits.